Welcome Aboard

New faculty gather with President Rodriguez last Friday in the University Hall Atrium. (Photos by Mark Schmidt)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 20, 2017) — UAlbany’s 45 new faculty members spent last Friday in a full-day orientation, getting immersed in the history and culture of the University, networking and learning something about what success at UAlbany means.

Their day began with a welcome from Provost James Stellar and included a brief history of the University by Senior Vice Provost William Hedberg. A moderated panel discussion introduced the group to Research I classifications, graduate and undergraduate education, and faculty obligations.

The new faculty range from lecturers and visiting professors, to tenure-track assistant and associate professors, to a dean – Robert Griffith, the new dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity. There are two new librarians, and new faculty in history, biology, criminal justice, marketing and music, among other concentrations.

President Havidán Rodríguez welcomed the group during a reception at the end the day. “You could not have made a better choice than to come to this University,” he said. “The University is growing at a very accelerated rate, with new academic programs and new buildings coming. You’ve come to one of the most exciting places in this great country.”

During the course of the day, the new faculty members met with Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Jeanette Altarriba; Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Christakis; Vice President for Research James Dias; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Edelgard Wulfert and other key University leaders, who offered insight into academics, the student experience, athletics and more.

“Faculty orientations are a great way of welcoming faculty to our institution, and a way of providing a networking experience and a venue through which they can meet one another and discuss mutual interests,” Altarriba said. “Many collaborations develop out of these early meetings across disciplines, schools and colleges.”

The group toured the Uptown Campus, including the new Campus Center addition, the Academic Podium and libraries, before gathering with colleagues, deans and members of the executives committee for a wine-and-cheese reception in the University Hall Atrium.

“Incoming faculty are the future of the University,” said Provost Stellar. “Having seen this round of new hires, I feel that our future is very bright indeed.”

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